Beyond Gaudí: Design Labs, Sant Antoni Bookshops & Modernist Rooftops — Barcelona (4 days)
An inspired, urban 4-day itinerary for design enthusiasts that focuses on Barcelona’s contemporary design institutions, Poblenou maker labs and artist studios, Sant Antoni’s independent book scene, and lesser-known modernist rooftops and galleries — curated to meet designers’ curiosity for craft, process and spatial detail.
Highlights
- Museu del Disseny — deep dive into applied arts and graphic design
- Poblenou maker studios: Palo Alto, La Escocesa, Hangar, Fab Lab Barcelona
- Sant Antoni’s independent bookstores and the Sunday second‑hand book stalls
- Modernist terraces and rooftop perspectives beyond Gaudí (Casa Amatller, Casa Fuster)
- Contemporary galleries across Raval, Born and Eixample
Itinerary
Day 1
Modernist design legacies and rooftop perspectives in Eixample — start with the Design Museum, tie in modernist facades and finish with a modernist hotel terrace.
Museu del Disseny de Barcelona — collection tour (applied arts, graphic and textile design)
Start your trip with a focused tour of Barcelona’s Design Museum. Prioritize the ceramics, graphic design and contemporary product design displays to understand local design lineage.
Local tips:
- Audio/label detail: bring a notebook or camera — many labels reference designers and studios; photographing labels (where allowed) helps find makers later.
- Accessibility note: the museum is fully elevator‑equipped; wheelchairs are welcomed but call ahead if you need a tactile tour.
- Research ahead: check the temporary exhibition schedule and reserve tickets for any special design shows online to avoid queues.
Stroll along Passeig de Gràcia — modernist facades & material details
A 45‑minute walk from the museum to experience key modernist facades (non‑Gaudí highlights), focusing on materiality, shopfront details and decorative craft on buildings like Casa Lleó Morera and Casa Amatller.
Local tips:
- Close‑up study: pay attention to cornices, tilework and forged iron on lower floors — many artisans’ signatures are visible at street level.
- Photography: use a short lens or tilt‑shift app to capture facades without distortion; early afternoon light is best for details on the sunny side.
- Timing: this stroll includes short stops for window‑shopping at design‑led storefronts — allow 10–15 minutes per notable façade.
Casa Amatller — interior tour (Puig i Cadafalch)
Visit Casa Amatller to inspect interiors and decorative programs by Puig i Cadafalch — an excellent counterpoint to Gaudí’s approach to ornament and programmatic spaces.
Local tips:
- Book in advance: interior tours have limited capacity — reserve a timed slot (they sometimes sell out mid‑day).
- Designer focus: ask the guide about original artisans (stained glass, wood carving) and note names for follow‑up research or visits to craft workshops.
- Photography: interior photography is usually allowed without flash; check the front desk on arrival for any temporary restrictions.
Lunch — El Nacional (multi‑space dining in a restored industrial interior)
A design‑forward lunch in a restored 20th‑century building that houses multiple gastronomic ateliers — good for observing adaptive reuse and interior design strategies.
Local tips:
- Seating preference: ask for a table in one of the quieter corners or the brasserie area for better acoustics if you want to discuss sketches or notes.
- Design detail: watch the restored ceramic floor tiles and joinery — a case study in heritage adaptive reuse for designers.
- Timing: lunch can be busy; reserve ahead or arrive slightly before 14:00 to avoid a long wait.
Fundació Antoni Tàpies — modern art and material investigations
Explore Tàpies’ works and the foundation’s exhibitions which often include sculptural material experiments relevant to product and spatial designers.
Local tips:
- Curatorial notes: check curatorial texts for references to materials and process — Tàpies’ work is materially instructive for surface design.
- Accessibility: the building has ramps and lifts; staff can advise on quieter times for focused viewing.
- Studio leads: museum labels often name collaborating craft studios — take notes and follow up on contacts for workshops or commissions later in the week.
Rooftop aperitif at Hotel Casa Fuster — modernist terrace
Finish the day with a rooftop drink at the terrace of Hotel Casa Fuster — a modernist landmark by Domènech i Montaner with a calm garden terrace and curated interiors.
Local tips:
- Golden hour: aim for sunset for long views and softer light to photograph the city fabric and rooflines.
- Design details: study the hotel’s restored lobby joinery and tile patterns — a refined example of historic hospitality design.
- Reservations: terrace can fill for sunset; reserve a small table if you plan to sketch or meet a local designer.
Day 2
Poblenou maker day — studios, artist production centres and hands‑on making at Fab Lab Barcelona, plus an open‑studio evening at Hangar.
Palo Alto Barcelona — creative studios & courtyards
Explore the cluster of small design studios, ateliers and craft shops in Palo Alto’s courtyard complex — an active creative community worth surveying for local makers.
Local tips:
- Studio etiquette: many studios are active; knock politely and ask if a quick peek is OK — bring business cards if you want follow‑up meetings.
- Material cues: look for signage that indicates makers (ceramics, textile, metal) and note studio names to arrange studio visits later.
- Timing: mornings are quieter for observing production; aim to arrive mid‑morning before lunch breaks.
La Escocesa — artist production centre visit
Visit La Escocesa, a converted factory that hosts artists’ studios and small fabrication projects — excellent for seeing ceramics, sculpture and small‑scale prototyping.
Local tips:
- Advance contact: La Escocesa often hosts residencies — email ahead if you want to meet artists or attend open studio days.
- Logistics: the industrial floors have stairs and uneven surfaces; wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of production areas.
- Note small makers: look for resident lists and atelier names on the noticeboard — a rich source of local collaborators.
Lunch at Els Pescadors — local Poblenou seafood (designers love the honest interiors)
A popular neighbourhood restaurant with a straightforward interior that highlights local produce — good for relaxed conversation with makers after studio visits.
Local tips:
- Local choice: order fish prepared simply and focus on regional produce — great for designers who appreciate material honesty.
- Seating: ask for a quiet table away from the main dining room if you plan to sketch or review notes.
- Timing: lunch can be busy; reserve or arrive by 13:00 to avoid waits during peak studio hours.
Fab Lab Barcelona — hands‑on workshop (3D printing / laser cutting / digital fabrication)
A maker workshop at Fab Lab Barcelona to experience rapid prototyping tools (book a session in advance). Ideal for designers who want direct experience with local fabrication workflows.
Local tips:
- Book early: Fab Lab sessions need reservation; specify the tool (3D printing, laser cutting) so they can prepare materials and safety briefs.
- Prepare files: bring vector files or STL models on a USB and a short brief of what you want to test — the staff can advise on optimizations.
- Safety & accessibility: wear closed shoes for fab areas; Fab Lab staff offer a quick safety induction so factor that into timing.
Rambla del Poblenou — break & neighborhood detail walk
A relaxed walk along Rambla del Poblenou to see small craft shops, ceramics stalls and independent cafés — a moment to digest the morning's tactility studies.
Local tips:
- Shop windows: look for small signwriters, vintage hardware stores and tile shops for material inspiration.
- Cafés with plugs: if you need to process photos or files, choose a café on the rambla with power outlets.
- Street photography: this stretch has candid maker moments — capture detail shots of façades and shopfront displays.
Open studios / evening at Hangar — artist production & critic walk
Finish with an evening visit or scheduled open‑studio at Hangar, a production centre for contemporary art and design; often hosts talks and portfolio reviews.
Local tips:
- Check program: Hangar runs events and open studios — check the weekly programme and reserve a slot for critiques or portfolio presentations.
- Networking: bring a compact portfolio (digital or printed) — many resident artists and curators are open to short introductions.
- Transport note: hangars can be spread out; if you’re carrying samples, use a taxi for an easy door‑to‑door transfer.
Day 3
Sant Antoni — independent bookshops, market hunting and craft workshops (bookbinding/zine making at EINA or local studios).
Breakfast and briefing at Federal Café (Sant Antoni)
A calm breakfast and an informal briefing on the day’s local contacts; this café is a popular meeting spot for creative locals.
Local tips:
- Meeting point: excellent spot to connect with local designers — try to schedule a quick meet‑up with a Sant Antoni bookshop owner or curator beforehand.
- Seating: the long communal tables are great for laying out maps or small samples when planning bookshop routes.
- Stroller/access: the café is spacious with step‑free access into most seating areas.
Explore Mercat de Sant Antoni & Sunday book stalls (if open) — second‑hand and design ephemera
Survey the market for vintage prints, graphic ephemera, design books and second‑hand volumes — the Sunday stalls are a goldmine for designers.
Local tips:
- Market timing: Sundays are best for book stalls. If your visit isn’t on Sunday, the permanent market still has specialist stalls for design magazines and ephemera.
- Bargaining tip: bring small bills and check corners of stalls for older magazines or loose prints often tucked away under piles.
- Conservation: bring a protective folder for fragile posters/prints — sellers will often accept a small folding tube for rolled work.
Llibreria Calders — independent bookstore visit
A beloved Sant Antoni independent bookstore with a curated selection of design, independent press and local publications — great for zines and small press finds.
Local tips:
- Curated finds: ask for local press and small‑run design zines — the staff often recommend neighborhood printers and designers.
- Buy light: smaller paperbacks and zines are common here — perfect to fit into a carry pouch for studio visits later in the week.
- Events: check if the shop has an evening reading or small launch — these are good places to meet independent publishers.
Lunch — Café Cometa (neighbourhood café with creative crowd)
A relaxed lunch spot beloved by local creatives — useful for people‑watching and spotting collaborators.
Local tips:
- Informal networking: locals often bring sketchbooks — a good place to strike up design conversation with residents.
- Seating: outdoor tables are great for note taking and sketching the street life.
- Light meals: choose a simple plate to keep energy up for an afternoon workshop.
Design workshop at EINA or documented bookbinding/zine‑making session
A focused hands‑on session in bookbinding, zine production or small press techniques run by EINA or a visiting workshop — reserve in advance for supplies.
Local tips:
- Reserve supplies: confirm what’s provided and what you should bring (scissors, exacto knife, paper) before attending.
- Portfolio opportunity: this is an ideal moment to prototype a promotional zine or leave with a sample for your studio.
- Accessibility: workshops are typically on a single floor; notify organizers in advance if you need any special accommodations.
Carrer del Parlament — independent design shops & concept stores stroll
An early evening stroll along Carrer del Parlament to discover small concept shops, local designers’ pop‑ups and curated homeware stores.
Local tips:
- Shop hours: many independent shops close early; aim to arrive mid‑afternoon to catch open studio hours and pop‑ups.
- Local makers: look for on‑site signage indicating maker collectives and upcoming markets — great for sourcing small‑run objects.
- Carry options: bring a tote or lightweight pack to collect small items and zines; many stores will wrap purchases carefully for travel.
Dinner — Disfrutar (contemporary culinary design experience)
An inventive culinary experience where plating, sequence and presentation are as considered as product design — a fitting finale for a designers’ week.
Local tips:
- Reservation: Disfrutar is in high demand — book well in advance and mention any desire for a quieter table to discuss design notes.
- Design parallels: treat the tasting menu as a refreshment in sequence design and sensory thinking.
- Timing: tasting menus run long — factor this into tonight’s travel or schedule for a relaxed evening.
Day 4
Contemporary galleries, MACBA and a rooftop farewell — a day to collect contemporary references and say goodbye from a panoramic terrace.
MACBA — contemporary art and spatial experiments
Explore Barcelona’s contemporary art museum; look for exhibitions and installations that intersect with design, architecture and moving image.
Local tips:
- Architectural study: the museum itself (by Richard Meier) is instructive on light, circulation and gallery planning — take notes on circulation paths.
- Program check: exhibitions rotate; curatorial wall texts often mention collaborating designers or scenographers worth contacting.
- Quiet times: mornings on weekdays are least crowded — ideal for slow looking and sketching installation details.
Blueproject Foundation — contemporary gallery visit
Visit this contemporary exhibition space that often presents interdisciplinary projects relevant to designers exploring the crossover of art and design.
Local tips:
- Curatorial focus: ask staff for curator notes or press material to trace collaborators (set designers, fabricators).
- Collector insight: the gallery attracts local collectors and designers — evenings are good for informal networking.
- Documentation: request permission to photograph installations for later reference (many shows allow non‑commercial documentation).
Lunch in El Born — Cera 23 (neighbourhood favorite with intimate interiors)
A quietly stylish lunch in Born; a good spot to discuss the week’s highlights and next steps for follow‑ups with local makers.
Local tips:
- Booking: reserve a table if you want a steady pace and space for sharing images and notes across the table.
- Design note: observe how the interior uses color and texture — useful reference for small hospitality projects.
- Timing: midday service is lively; arrive slightly early to avoid service delays if you have an afternoon gallery schedule.
Galería Senda — contemporary art and emerging designers
A focused gallery visit to see contemporary painting, design objects and collaborative projects with local studios.
Local tips:
- Ask the gallerist: enquire about artists’ collaborators (fabricators, metalworkers) — galleries commonly facilitate introductions.
- Collect press: request press releases or catalogs for future reference or citation in your design research.
- Transport: galleries are clustered in this area; plan a walking route to visit two or three in the afternoon.
SETBA (Setba Galeria d'Art) — additional gallery stop
Another contemporary gallery to round out your view of Barcelona’s contemporary visual culture and object design practices.
Local tips:
- Curatorial threads: look for recurring collaborators or material choices across galleries — this often signals local studio networks.
- Buy small works: galleries often stock small limited edition objects or prints that are perfect souvenirs for your studio desk.
- Evening openings: galleries commonly host vernissages in the evenings — check if there’s an opening for extra networking opportunities.
Farewell rooftop visit — MNAC terrace or similar panoramic viewpoint
End your stay with panoramic views of Barcelona’s roofscape from MNAC’s terraces — a moment to synthesize how modernist and contemporary rooftops shape the city.
Local tips:
- Golden hour: plan to arrive an hour before sunset for the best light and quieter terraces.
- Transport: MNAC is on Montjuïc hill — use a taxi or the Montjuïc funicular to conserve time and energy for evening reflections.
- Sketching: terraces provide a clear view of urban grain and roof types — ideal for last minute sketches or rooftop material notes.